Research Administration Assistant

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Administration Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Office of the Vice President for Research. The role involves calendar coordination, correspondence preparation, and scheduling of meetings, workshops, and events for the Associate Vice Presidents for Research.

The position also supports fiscal functions, reconciles ledgers, processes payments, ensures compliance with university procedures, and contributes

Qualifications

• Requires 5 years of experience with an Associate's degree or equivalent
• Related experience can substitute for education per UK policy
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Office of the Vice President for Research
• Coordinate calendars, correspondence, and scheduling of meetings, workshops, and events
• Maintain distribution lists and track deadlines across the office
• Support fiscal and operational functions, including reconciliation of ledgers and processing payment documents
• Assist with internal/external communications, website updates, and event planning

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctorate degree

Job description

The University of Kentucky's Office of the Vice President for Research is seeking a dedicated and skilled Research Administration Assistant.

This position provides comprehensive administrative support to the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR). The role involves calendar coordination, correspondence preparation, and scheduling of meetings, workshops, and events for the Associate Vice Presidents for Research. The individual maintains distribution lists, tracks deadlines, and supports a variety of office functions, serving as a back-up to the Executive Administrative Assistant as needed. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and customer service skills are essential for managing competing priorities and facilitating communication across the office and with campus partners.

In addition to administrative responsibilities, this position supports the fiscal and operational functions of the OVPR, reconciling ledgers, processing payment documents, and ensuring compliance with university business procedures. The role works closely with the department budget officer to maintain financial accuracy and timeliness in processing transactions. The individual also contributes to special projects and initiatives for the Associate Vice Presidents, providing coordination, documentation, and reporting support as needed. Additional responsibilities include assisting with internal and external communications, maintaining website content, and helping organize events and presentations that promote OVPR initiatives.

Shift Schedule

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Required Education / Experience

Associate's degree and five (5) years of experience OR equivalent (below)

• High School diploma or GED and seven (7) years of experience
• Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience
• Master's degree and one (1) year of experience
• Doctorate degree and no experience

The University of Kentucky uses equivalencies in determining if a potential applicant meets the minimum education and experience. Related experience can be substituted for education. Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Want to learn more about the Department?

The Office of the Vice President for Research provides programs and services to support UK faculty, staff and students in grant development and submission, compliance and regulatory affairs, development of intellectual property and in highlighting their research achievements. This includes oversight and guidance of 9 multidisciplinary research centers and 9 core facilities. More information about the department can be found at: https://research.uky.edu/vice-president-research

Interested in what UK Benefits have to offer?

The University of Kentucky is proud to offer a benefits package that helps us recruit and retain the very best faculty and staff. In addition to your take-home pay, your benefits package is a major component of your total compensation at UK.

• 200 percent match on eligible retirement contributions
• competitive health, dental, and vision coverage
• tuition benefits for classes at UK
• and much more

To learn more about these exceptional benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/exceptional-benefits-for-university-of-kentucky-staff